Tribal Art

Chamba statue (N° 23043)

The chamba statuary has certain points in common with that of the Mumuye. This copy adopts a design offering the particularity of a curved bust, framed in height by short folded arms. The bust widens, extending hips in cylindrical relief. The legs are classically cut, stocky and semi-flexed. The simple-featured head is distinguished by a high crest and huge circular ears.
Slightly satiny reddish brown patina.
Installed since the 17th century on the south bank of the Benue in Nigeria, the Chamba have resisted the attempts of conquest by the Fulani, nomads who have settled in large numbers in northern Nigeria. They are known for their famous buffalo mask with its two flat jaws extending the head. The statuary, less frequent, is divided into figures of protection (tauwa, sing. tau) which are kept in a box located to the left of the entrance to the concession, and into statues of ancestors, kona.